The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 122

122 A Three–Month Reprieve.

122 A Three–Month Reprieve

I didn’t respond as I pulled away from the curb. Three months. Ninety days to find a solution to an impossible situation. Ninety days to figure out how to protect my company, my father’s legacy, and somehow not lose the woman I loved forever.

Damian’s eyes met mine. “Hope.”

“Then you should marry someone who wants to marry you,” I suggested coldly.

Damian’s serious expression surprised me. “To find another way out. Or to figure out how to get Hazel back without destroying everything.”

“In name only,” I stated firmly. “I’ll fulfill social obligations when necessary, nothing

more.”

Isabella’s face crumpled. “You can’t do this to me! I’ve dreamed of my wedding day since I was a little girl!”

I didn’t bother responding. Damian knew I’d accepted his backup without needing

confirmation.

Isabella’s lower lip trembled. “But I love you, Liam. We’ll have a beautiful life together.”

Isabella’s cheeks flushed. “That’s not-”

“Oh, I’ll honor it,” I assured him. “But on my terms. Courthouse ceremony. Iron–clad prenuptial agreement. Separate living arrangements.”

“The courthouse. A judge. Four witnesses maximum.” I kept my voice level, clinical. “No party. No celebration.”

For now, that would have to be enough.

“How dare you!” Sophia interjected. “My daughter comes from one of the finest families in-”

“Let’s cut to the chase,” Julian said once the waiter departed. “Isabella told us about your… outburst last night.”

I slid behind the wheel, gripping it until my knuckles turned white. “Three months won’t change the facts.”

14:09

1/6

122 A Three–Month Reprieve

“It’s seven in the morning on a Saturday,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Irrelevant,” Julian cut her off. “The fact remains that you publicly humiliated my daughter, Sterling. After our agreement.

“Sterling,” Julian said tersely as they approached. His eyes slid to Damian with obvious displeasure. “I wasn’t aware this would be a group discussion.”

“Agree to the party. But demand 3 months to plan it properly. Buy yourself time.”

The phone continued its assault. I grabbed it, sliding my thumb across the screen.

An hour later, I was in my gym, pummeling a punching bag. Each strike helped clear my mind, sweat dripping down my back. My phone pinged with a text from Damian:

“Nothing,” I replied evenly. “Just ensuring that if we’re doing this circus, we do it properly. Three months. Take it or leave it.”

“Isabella came home quite upset last night. We have matters to discuss.”

I didn’t even try to hide my disgust. “We both know that’s not true. You love what I represent–money, power, social standing.”

Sophia Clairemont cleared her throat delicately. “Perhaps we should focus on the wedding plans. Isabella has been working with the most incredible planner. We’re thinking a spring ceremony at the St. Regis, with at least four hundred guests.”

Liam’s POV

I walked out without looking back, Damian falling into step beside me. Only when we reached my car did he speak.

Julian narrowed his eyes. “Why the delay?”

“Heard from Adrian about your Clairemont meetup. I’m coming with you. No

arguments.”

“Here they come,” Damian murmured, nodding toward the entrance. “All three of them.

This should be fun.”

“No,” I said flatly.

“This matter is settled,” I said with finality. “Good day.”

14:10

2/6

122 A Three–Month Reprieve

Isabella clutched her father’s arm. “Please, Daddy. I want it to be perfect.”

“On one condition,” I interrupted. “The wedding happens three months from today. Not before.”

I almost smiled. This was why I brought Damian–his strategic mind was unmatched.

Of course she did. I should have expected her dramatic retelling of events.

“Mr. Knight is my Vice President,” I replied coolly. “Anything concerning my future affects my company.”

Sophia and Isabella exchanged alarmed glances at the suggestion of anything

“second–rate.”

A waiter arrived with our drinks, pausing awkwardly as he sensed the heated atmosphere. He set down our glasses and retreated quickly.

Julian’s face darkened. “May I remind you of the consequences should you fail to honor

our arrangement?”

“Fine,” I said, setting down my glass carefully. “You want a party? You can have one.”

I ended the call without another word and fell back against my pillows. My head throbbed in time with my heartbeat, punishment for last night’s drinking.

My phone buzzed incessantly, vibrating against my nightstand. I opened one bleary eye to stare at the caller ID. Julian Clairemont. Fucking perfect.

After a long moment, Julian nodded stiffly. “Fine. Three months. But no more games, Sterling. And we’ll need to discuss the details-”

“It will be a business transaction,” I corrected. “Nothing more.”

“That’s absurd!” Sophia gasped. “The Sterling–Clairemont wedding will be the social event of the year!”

“Three months seems reasonable,” Sophia said quickly. “We want everything to be perfect.”

It wasn’t much. But it was something. A reprieve. A chance.

“Separate?” Isabella shrieked. “We’re going to be married!”

14:10

3/6

122 A Three–Month Reprieve

Isabella’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, no?”

Julian’s face had turned an alarming shade of red. “You will give Isabella the wedding she deserves, or I’ll release every document I have on your father’s business practices.”

“Good. We’ll see you then.”

“But Liam-” Isabella started.

“We need to meet. Now.” Julian’s voice was clipped, formal.

I tossed my napkin onto the table and nodded to Damian. He stood, straightening his tie.

“Sterling,” I growled.

My phone vibrated on the table. I glanced down to see a text from Damian:

Julian’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing as they took their seats. A waiter appeared instantly, sensing the tension and taking drink orders with professional efficiency.

“Fine. Noon. Chez Marcel.” I named an upscale restaurant downtown, knowing the public setting would prevent any scene.

Isabella’s face lit up instantly. “Really? Oh, Liam, I knew you’d come around! I’m thinking blush pink and gold as our colors, with cascading orchids and-”

“Maybe not,” Damian conceded as he got in the passenger side. “But it gives us something we didn’t have before.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify